SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — Wireless users in more Northern California locations are now experiencing expanded voice and broadband data coverage thanks to the addition of new cell sites from Verizon Wireless.

The new sites improve 3G coverage and call capacity for customers in and around:

Highway 227/South Street  Along Marsh St. and Highway 101

Avila Beach  Including sections of Shell Beach and Pismo Beach

Paso Robles  Near intersection of Niblick Road and Creston Road and surrounding area; south central area of Paso Robles, including Paso Robles High School and surrounding areas

Verizon Wireless launched its 3G wireless broadband network in California's Central Coast in June, including the communities of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. The company's wireless network now delivers mile after mile of high-speed broadband performance for customers surfing the Internet, e-mailing large files and downloading songs or videos over-the-air, using 3G-capable phones and PC cards.

With the improved network coverage, customers can also use their wireless phones and devices to make more calls; send and receive e-mail, text and multimedia messages; download music, games and ringtones; and view high-quality videos all while on-the-go.

The recent enhancements add to Verizon Wireless' $4.6 billion dollar investment in California since 2000. Nationwide the company has invested nearly $45 billion since it was formed  $5.5 billion on average every year  to increase the coverage and capacity of its national wireless network and to add services like BroadbandAccess, V CAST, VZ Navigator(SM) and many more.

"This consistent investment is a key reason Verizon Wireless has ranked first in customer loyalty in the industry in each of the last 15 quarters,*" said Rich Garwood, regional president of Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless' reputation as the nation's most reliable wireless network is supported by industry-leading redundancy and maintenance measures. This has proven particularly valuable during natural disasters, like the Northern California wildfires, and other emergencies across the country. Standard Verizon Wireless network-reliability features include battery back-up power at all facilities as well as generators installed at all switching facilities and many cell site locations.

For more information about the company's network coverage, Test Drive from Verizon Wireless or any of our products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

*Loyalty claims based upon publicly available churn (customer turnover) figures.

In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Bennington County, Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site. The new site increases wireless voice and data coverage and capacity to Bromley ski area in Peru, Vermont.